Ashes 2017-18: Usman Khawaja finds himself amidst criticism again

Khawaja has scored 162 runs at an average of 27 this Ashes series.

Even though Australia has bagged the Ashes, middle-order batsman Usman Khawaja still finds himself in the middle of controversies and criticisms. Australia batsman Usman Khawaja felt criticism of his first innings in the fourth Ashes Test against England in Melbourne was "bizarre".

The left-hander's form has been questioned and that continued at the MCG after his scratchy 17 off 65 balls in the first innings.

As quoted by Omnisport, Khawaja in his interaction with ABC Grandstand on Saturday expressed his disappointment. "It's Test match cricket – sometimes you're not going to score at a free-flowing rate. It doesn't mean my intent wasn't there”.

"I did find it a bit interesting though, [on] day one on a slow wicket, that I was getting criticised, but that's Test cricket” added Khawaja.

The 31-year-old dismissed questions over his form and said his focus was on helping his team win.

"That's far from my mind, I'm just out there trying to play cricket, trying to do well for the team for the next game," Khawaja said.

"It's a long way away, and I know myself if I keep working hard and doing the right things, I'm going to score runs.

"Situations like this, when you don't score runs in one Test match, apparently you're out of form. But I felt pretty good last Test match when I made a 50, so I feel fine”, concluded Khawaja.